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How does health insurance work in Canada?

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
52,969
12,768
Your immigration lawyer should be telling your employer that if you are living and working in Canada they have to set up their payroll for the Canadian deductions. Most employers are unwilling to do so and that's why they have to set up their own company in Canada and consult for the employer in the US.
 

dphotawala

Star Member
Nov 16, 2018
61
1
Your immigration lawyer should be telling your employer that if you are living and working in Canada they have to set up their payroll for the Canadian deductions. Most employers are unwilling to do so and that's why they have to set up their own company in Canada and consult for the employer in the US.
Given that I am not a US citizen and that I would be working as an independent contractor, I wouldn't need to pay any employment tax (such as FICA in US) to CRA. As far as federal and provisional income tax goes, that would be part of my year-end filing. In both case, why does a entity need to be established? Are you sure that you are not confusing a full-time job with a contract assignment?
 

APPNOV2014NY

VIP Member
Nov 21, 2014
3,005
1,099
Given that I am not a US citizen and that I would be working as an independent contractor, I wouldn't need to pay any employment tax (such as FICA in US) to CRA. As far as federal and provisional income tax goes, that would be part of my year-end filing. In both case, why does a entity need to be established? Are you sure that you are not confusing a full-time job with a contract assignment?
If you are working on W8BEN with USA company and getting paid directly in USD in your US bank account, then you don't to establish a corporation in Canada.
 

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
52,969
12,768
Given that I am not a US citizen and that I would be working as an independent contractor, I wouldn't need to pay any employment tax (such as FICA in US) to CRA. As far as federal and provisional income tax goes, that would be part of my year-end filing. In both case, why does a entity need to be established? Are you sure that you are not confusing a full-time job with a contract assignment?
Your going to have to figure out how to structure your business with a Canadian accountant. All depends if your create a small business and pay yourself or become an independent contractor. This is getting confusing. Based on your previous posts of not being employed in Canada it sounded like you were trying to keep being employed by your US company and just live in Canada like you weren't being employed. Many people try to do this when they move to Canada.
 

visatest

Hero Member
May 24, 2016
485
91
London Ontario Canada
Hi,
Could someone please explain how health insurance works in Canada? Last I heard was that Canadian govt provides health insurance for free. However, some random person recently told me that it's not true.

FYI, I would like to know the input free of employer provided insurance; meaning, where do I stand if unemployed and on PR status.
FOR FREE!! I have been paying taxes for it for 50 years. It is NOT FREE; I pay for it.
 

Copingwithlife

VIP Member
Jul 29, 2018
3,937
1,903
Earth
I don't intent to hide any income from CRA. So as long as I reveal my foreign income and pay appropriate tax, I don't see why I should be worried. BTW, I do agreed with you on the GC process. That said, I am not planning to find a faster route to USA through Canadian citizenship. I am not sure why would you presume that.

Because so many do
 

dphotawala

Star Member
Nov 16, 2018
61
1
FOR FREE!! I have been paying taxes for it for 50 years. It is NOT FREE; I pay for it.
I think you are mixing two different things. Tax is individual's contribution that enables elective members to govern and prosper the country; where-else OHIP (medical) is an additional facility that we receive from govt. FYI, not all countries provide this facility to their people. Therefore, interpreting that the tax you pay is for OHIP does not sound accurate.

Anyways, let me rephrase the question - Is every individual residing in Ontario eligible for OHIP after meeting certain residency requirement? And if so, do they have to pay any monthly fees for it (forget the tax you pay from your employment paycheck).
 

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
52,969
12,768
I think you are mixing two different things. Tax is individual's contribution that enables elective members to govern and prosper the country; where-else OHIP (medical) is an additional facility that we receive from govt. FYI, not all countries provide this facility to their people. Therefore, interpreting that the tax you pay is for OHIP does not sound accurate.

Anyways, let me rephrase the question - Is every individual residing in Ontario eligible for OHIP after meeting certain residency requirement? And if so, do they have to pay any monthly fees for it (forget the tax you pay from your employment paycheck).
Yes every Ontario resident is elligible for OHIP after 3 months if they meet the residency requirement. Some of the major things that aren't covered by OHIP: Rx medications (over 25 yrs old but may change), dental care, glasses, eye exams (if you are not a child or senior), physiotherapy, etc.
 

Elbagurl

Star Member
Jan 24, 2019
72
14
Absolutely confusing AGAIN.


OHIP don't cover dental for 18 - 65 years of age.
18 and under you can qualify for HSO free from GOV of Ontario.
65 and up. Public health help for basic treatments.

18- 65 , if under OW or ODSP free dental services from social services request.

Any other treatments that looks confusing to you, beside basics like periodic health treatment, ASK your doctor. Not OHIP.

OHIP will pay usually for a treatment that is MEDICALLY NECESSARY only!!

No cosmetics!!!!
No proposed treatments or surgery from client's requests !!!!

Only if your doctor request that, either referring you to a specialist or request a proposed surgery, or a proposed dental surgery.

OHIP Will pay also outside province or outside Canada if no services available in Ontario, and health is life threatening, doctor has to request that to MOHLTC.
 
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canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
52,969
12,768
Absolutely confusing AGAIN.


OHIP don't cover dental for 18 - 65 years of age.
18 and under you can qualify for HSO free from GOV of Ontario.
65 and up. Public health help for basic treatments.

18- 65 , if under OW or ODSP free dental services from social services request.

Any other treatments that looks confusing to you, beside basics like periodic health treatment, ASK your doctor. Not OHIP.

OHIP will pay usually for a treatment that is MEDICALLY NECESSARY only!!

No cosmetics!!!!
No proposed treatments or surgery from client's requests !!!!

Only if your doctor request that, either referring you to a specialist or request a proposed surgery, or a proposed dental surgery.

OHIP Will pay also outside province or outside Canada if no services available in Ontario, and health is life threatening, doctor has to request that to MOHLTC.
The reality is that a very small amount of basic dental care is available under OHIP for low income children and low income seniors. What is technically offered and what is actually available is very different. Most go without dental care unless they have private insurance. Many seniors or low income or disabled people may try to access dental care at dental schools at a reduced cost for example. OHIP covers some oral surgery work. OHIP doesn't pay for all medically necessary therapies. For example they won't pay for certain medications.

https://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/9205578-province-urged-to-fill-gap-in-dental-services-for-seniors-in-kawartha-lakes-brock/

https://www.kitchenertoday.com/local-news/ontario-dental-association-asking-province-to-invest-in-public-dental-programs-1217351
 
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